James Cromwell (American Horror Story) will co-star opposite Hannah Ware in ABC‘s drama pilotBetrayal. Written by David Zabel based on a Dutch series and directed by Patty Jenkins, Betrayal centers on Sara (Ware), a beautiful but unhappily married female photographer who begins a torrid affair with Jack, a lawyer for a powerful family. Cromwell plays Terence Karsten, the head of the powerful Chicago family.

Megalyn Echikunwoke (House Of Lies) and Cedric Sanders will co-star opposite Steve Zahn in the ABC drama pilot Influence, from Kyle Killen and 20th TV. It centers on the complicated relationship between two brothers — Clark Clark (Zahn), a bipolar genius in human psychology, and Ross, a slick ex-con — who solve their clients’ problems using the real science of human motivation and manipulation. Echikunwoke, repped by UTA, A Management and Neil Meyer, will play actress Megan who uses her beauty and acting skills to help the team turn their scientific schemes into real world results. She recently co-starred on CBS‘ Made In Jersey. Sanders, repped by Innovative and McKeon-Myones, will play Latrell, a serious, talented young man from a tough neighborhood tapped by Ross who saw a raw and untapped talent for business in him.

Australian actor Rick Donald has been added to CBS’ comedy pilot Friends With Better Lives. The multi-camera project, from 20th Century Fox TV and Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment, revolves around six 30-something friends who each think the other has it better. Donald, repped by RMG Australia, plays one of them, Lowell, who is spiritual and spends a lot of time barefoot.

9 Comments

I just love all these single word TV shows that are modeled after “Revenge.” I hope they all don’t flop but of there on ABC then they’ll be canceled before building an audience cause ABC cancels EVERYTHING!

PitifulPeacock • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

A shame about the Cromwell casting–he’s the safe, B- choice for a project that could and should have aimed higher.

Oliver • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

I imagine the title “Influence” was inspired by the very famous non-fiction book “Influence”, not Revenge, Scandal etc.

It seems like a promising premise, if done right, but it doesn’t sound like an ABC show. I can imagine a version on USA, a proceduralised version on CBS ala Numb3rs, or possibly a House-esque show on Fox.

Oliver • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

Oh, you were talking about Betrayal. Sorry, you’re completely right. I’m an idiot.

Warpath • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

Zahn plays Clark Edwards in INFLUENCE.

Clint • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

Wow, it’s great to see some new Australian talent hit the us. Have watch some of ricks stuff on line and he is fantastic to watch, and Yummy to boot,,,,,,,,,,

Debra • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

I agree, Rick has great potential and I’d defiantly gaining momentum in his acting career.
Best of luck rick, I will most definitely be staying tuned!

The pincher • on Mar 4, 2013 4:30 pm

thank god…… Some new talent. Good luck rick. Ps. Watched some of your stuff on-line, you have fantastic screen presence. sexy too:-)